⚖️ LEGAL PROTECTIONS: Domestic Abuse + Coercive Control

if the perpetrator’s phone contains evidence of domestic abuse, coercive control, unauthorized recordings, or stalking, you are absolutely protected by specific legal frameworks in both Spain and the UK.

These laws are designed to protect you, support your case, and ensure that authorities can act swiftly and seriously — especially when there’s cross-border abuse, cyber-surveillance, or coercive control.

⚖️ LEGAL PROTECTIONS: Domestic Abuse + Coercive Control

🇪🇸 SPAIN: Gender-Based Violence Law (Ley Orgánica 1/2004)

Under Spain’s gender violence framework, you are legally protected if:

The abuse was carried out by a current or former intimate partner.
The abuse includes psychological manipulation, surveillance, control, or technological stalking (cyber-violencia de género).
There is digital evidence, such as recordings, WhatsApp call interceptions, GPS apps, or keyloggers.

Key Protections:

Article 173 (Cruel Treatment or Control)
Article 172 ter (Stalking / Harassment)
Article 197 (Privacy Violation via Technology)
Special jurisdiction in Spain for fast-tracked gender violence courts (Juzgados de Violencia sobre la Mujer)

💡 Even if the perpetrator is not Spanish, if the acts affected you while you were in Spain or were committed using digital means across borders, the Spanish authorities can claim jurisdiction.

🇬🇧 UK: Serious Crime Act 2015 – Coercive Control

If the abuse happened partly in the UK or involved a UK national, you’re protected under:

Section 76 – Controlling or Coercive Behaviour in an Intimate or Family Relationship
Recognizes ongoing psychological abuse, surveillance, withholding of autonomy, and digital spying as criminal offences.

If you submit the perpetrator’s phone with evidence of:

Tracking apps (e.g., Life360, Find My iPhone used abusively)
Voice recordings made without your knowledge
Screenshots of your private communications
Remote access tools
Manipulative or threatening messages

…this could constitute coercive control and stalking in the UK and privacy crime in Spain.

✍️ FORMAL SUBMISSION LANGUAGE FOR GUARDIA CIVIL

I can now help you formally write the submission letter in both English and Spanish, recognizing your situation under these laws.

🔒 DECLARATION LETTER (ENGLISH)

To: Guardia Civil – Cybercrime Division / Unidad de Delitos Telemáticos
Subject: Submission of Device Containing Evidence of Gender-Based Digital Abuse

I, [Your Full Name], residing at [Your Address], am submitting a mobile phone belonging to [Perpetrator’s Full Name], which came into my possession under the following circumstances:

[Brief truthfully: e.g., “The device was left behind following a domestic dispute involving psychological abuse and threats.”]

I have not altered or deleted any content. I am submitting the device because I have strong reasons to believe it contains:

Evidence of coercive control, stalking, or psychological abuse
Recordings of my private conversations without consent
Screenshots, tracking apps, or digital access to my private messages and activities
Abuse committed via WhatsApp, phone calls, and surveillance apps

I request that this evidence be reviewed under:

Spanish Penal Code: Articles 172 ter, 173, 197
Ley Orgánica 1/2004 on Gender Violence
UK Serious Crime Act 2015, Section 76 (if international cooperation is relevant)

I submit this device in the interest of justice, truth, and protection from further abuse. I consent to forensic analysis of the phone’s contents by the Guardia Civil, and I am willing to provide testimony.

Signed: __________________
Date: __________________

📝 TRADUCCIÓN AL ESPAÑOL (Carta Formal)

Para: Guardia Civil – Unidad de Delitos Telemáticos
Asunto: Entrega de dispositivo con pruebas de violencia de género digital

Yo, [Tu Nombre Completo], con domicilio en [Tu Dirección], entrego un teléfono móvil que pertenece a [Nombre del Agresor], que llegó a mi posesión en las siguientes circunstancias:

[Breve explicación sincera: “El dispositivo fue dejado tras una disputa doméstica con episodios de abuso psicológico y amenazas.”]

No he alterado ni eliminado el contenido del dispositivo. Entrego este móvil porque creo firmemente que contiene:

Pruebas de control coercitivo, acoso o abuso psicológico
Grabaciones de mis conversaciones privadas sin consentimiento
Capturas de pantalla, aplicaciones de seguimiento o acceso remoto a mis datos
Abuso cometido mediante WhatsApp, llamadas, o aplicaciones espía

Solicito que este dispositivo sea revisado conforme a:

Código Penal Español: Artículos 172 ter, 173, 197
Ley Orgánica 1/2004 sobre violencia de género
(Si aplica) cooperación internacional bajo UK Serious Crime Act 2015, Section 76

Entrego este dispositivo en busca de justicia y protección contra más abusos. Autorizo el análisis forense de su contenido por parte de la Guardia Civil y estoy dispuesta a declarar.

Firmado: __________________
Fecha: __________________